The Modern Witch's Guide to Faking It With a Werewolf

Dallas's POV

This was it.

We were coming clean. Tonight.

I could do this. I needed to do this.

So why did it feel like my heart was breaking?

Like setting things right was the last thing I actually wanted to do?

Max pulled his truck into park in front of his parents' house, and for the first time since we left, I let myself really look at him.

He was even more handsome than usual.

It didn't seem possible.

The way he looked into my eyes stole my breath.

The way his expression was unreadable, like he was searching for something.

Maybe he was.

Maybe we both were.

My hands were shaking.

My face felt hot.

This was going to be awful.

Somehow we made it up the stairs and Max opened the door—

And then—

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

A deafening chorus of voices exploded into the room.

I stopped short.

The house was packed.

Not just family, not just the McCafferys—but everyone.

Neighbors. Friends. Pack elders. My mom. Chloe.

All smiling, clapping, raising glasses.

Oh my freaking gosh.

I felt Max go rigid beside me.

I turned my head—found him already looking at me.

Searching.

His brows furrowed, his jaw tight.

He didn't say anything, but I knew exactly what he was asking.

Now?

Did I want him to do it now?

I swallowed hard and gave the smallest shake of my head.

No.

Not now.

Not with all of them here.

Not with our mothers beaming like this was the happiest moment of their lives.

Not with everyone so damn proud of us.

My heart thundered against my ribs.

Max's eyes stayed on me for a second too long.

Then—just like that—his entire expression shifted.

His shoulders relaxed, his signature cocky smirk slipping into place.

And before I could react, he pulled me flush against his side, one arm wrapping around my waist.

I nearly choked.

Because it was too much.

The heat of him.
The weight of his arm.
The way my entire body melted into the warmth of his touch like it belonged there.

His voice was smooth as sin when he finally spoke.

"Damn," he drawled, flashing a lazy grin at the room. "If I'd known, I would've worn my nice shirt."